There's a strong possibility Senators' centre Jason Spezza could return to the lineup for Game 3 of the club's playoff series Sunday night at Scotiabank Place against the Penguins.

Coach Paul MacLean told reporters Spezza is continuing to skate in Ottawa as he recovers from back surgery. A decision on whether he'll play or not will be made after Sunday's morning skate. This is the first time that MacLean hasn't completely dismissed Spezza's return.

A source told the Sun Spezza is targeting a Sunday return, but has to get clearance from the doctors.

"He continues to skate on a daily basis and makes progress," said MacLean Friday. "We'll go through practice (Saturday) and the pre-game skate and we'll see where it is. If he's available to us, it's Jason Spezza, we're going to have him in the lineup."

The Senators will have an optional skate Saturday and Spezza will skate with that group.

"I know I'm going to be there to watch it," said MacLean. "I might not be on the ice, but we'll make a decision from there. I don't know about all the medical hurdles but I'll know more about that (Saturday)."

Spezza hasn't suited up since Jan. 27.

The Senators are in Pittsburgh Friday for Game 2 of their conference semi-final series against the Penguins. Pittsburgh leads the series 1-0.